Exercise the generator that fills in for snowy days!

softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭✭
edited December 2023 in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Had not used the generator for a couple years. Today it had to be employed for several reasons:
Solar batteries are expiring
Snowy and cloudy conditions.

So the battery was either dead or the connection bad. Was pretty darn hard to start. Smoky as hell after extended cranking. 

Plus I found my 24v charger apparently walked off. 

It is comforting to see 53 volts instead of 48 volts. Weak batteries charge fast!

First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • BryceFreeman
    BryceFreeman Registered Users Posts: 27 ✭✭
    #2
    So what problem your system has? Looks like you have sorted it out.
    Read blogs to know more about solar power...
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,113 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    softdown said:

    It is comforting to see 53 volts instead of 48 volts. Weak batteries charge fast!

    They appear to charge fast due to reduced capacity.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    littleharbor2 said:
    softdown said:

    It is comforting to see 53 volts instead of 48 volts. Weak batteries charge fast!

    They appear to charge fast due to reduced capacity.
    They were manufactured in 2015. placed into service in 2017. I'm afraid to check their specs.

    Though I am running two fridges and 6 freezers. All but one in a chilly to cold environ. One sees somewhat normal temps between 50 and 70. The range I live in during the cooler months. It is bothering me this year. Health took a downward turn around thanksgiving. Odd. 

    I tacked on a newer bank that is likely providing much of the juice. 

    Thinking about looking for a small "shack" well south of Ensenada. For two reasons:
    Place to go if SHTF in US.
    Nicer winters. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,113 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    You can definitely downshift a gear or two living down here. Punta Banda seems to be popular getaway south of Ensenada for my neighbor's summer cool down spot.
     Hope you are feeling better soon..

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,925 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    BryceFreeman said:
    So what problem your system has? Looks like you have sorted it out.
    Just some cloudy snowy weather. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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